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2011年1月15日星期六

When training camp starts, Detroit Lions linebacker Boss Bailey will finally take the field. He won't be able to until then because of an ailing ankle. However, when he does finally lace up his cleats, it won't be at his usual strong-side linebacker position; instead, he will make the transition to the middle linebacker spot.The Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jerseycoaching staff is implementing the Tampa 2 defensive scheme, similar to that of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts. With the success the Tampa 2 has had in recent years, the Lions aren't the only team switching over to it this year. In fact, their division rival, the Minnesota Vikings, are also doing it.In this new defense, the job of the middle linebacker consists of many things. The main thing is dropping into coverage. It is imperative in the Tampa 2 scheme for the middle 'backer to be fast and have the ability to get deep quick, and have the agility to play the pass. Luckily for the Lions, their young linebacker, Bailey, has these skills, so he should be able to make the transition.Bailey was a second-round pick in 2003. In his rookie year, the Georgia Bulldogs product tallied 88 tackles, an interception and 1 1/2 sacks, displaying at times, his prowess on the field. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2004 season recovering from offseason knee surgery. He came back in 2005, but missed five games. In the 11 games Bailey started, he recorded his first touchdown when he returned an errant Jake Delhomme pass 34 yards for the score. He also finished third on the team in tackles, despite the missed time. His season ended on because of an injury he sustained toReebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey his ankle in a game against the Cardinals in November. Subsequently, the Detroit Lions placed him on injured reserve.While health concerns must be taken into consideration with the linebacker, when on the field, he has shown the propensity to come up with the big play whether that be a sack, tackle or interception. For the Lions' defense to get better, Bailey must be on the field--healthy. With the "Boss" manning the middle, Teddy Lehman will take over Bailey's strong-side spot, and rookie first-round pick Ernie Sims will play the weak side.With the importance of the middle linebacker in the Tampa 2 scheme, will Bailey be the Detroit Lions' Derrick Brooks? The blue and silver faithful can only hope.Get more Boss Bailey insights Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka (0